Tips, News and Information for Traveling the World

Monthly Archives: July 2017

Korea is a very exciting tourist destination from visitors across the globe, but there are some cultural nuances that are important to learn prior to visiting. The Korean people are very welcoming and hospitable but there are certain differences that can give Western visitors the wrong idea; for example, it is not typical for Korean people to smile in public. Don’t worry, once you familiarize yourself with these cultural norms you will be good to go!

Do not expect smiles in the street – Korean people are quite guarded and do not smile or use many facial expressions while out in public.

Remove shoes! – it is customary and expected that everyone takes off their shoes before coming into a home; ignoring this tradition is considered very rude and disrespectful.

Learn a few Konglish words before you go – this mash up of Korean and English is helpful for many Western visitors as it provides a common language of sorts.

Learn a little bit about Confucius – the Korean society is based on these teachings, and there are several traditions that all visitors should know. Most importantly is the reverence with which they treat their elders.

Soju will accompany just about every meal and activity – this vodka-based drink is included with nearly every meal and is a big part of socializing in South Korea.

Korea does not tip – all service is included in the price of the meal and tipping is not a part of the dining experience in this country.

Stay far away from the DMZ – it goes without saying that tourists are smart to avoid one of the planets most dangerous locations!

It is best to avoid all discussion of Japan – to say that Korea and Japan have a rocky and uncomfortable history is a huge understatement.

Intermarriage and dating are not the norms – If you approach a member of the opposite sex and they hold up their arms in an X formation, it is best to keep moving along.

Go take a hike – filled with mountains, this country is one that loves to escape crowded cities and get out into nature. Bring your hiking boots and get out there with them!

Now you know enough to visit Korea with confidence! Pacific Holidays offers many wonderful packages for travelers to visit South Korea and explore this exciting land!

1. PyeongChang is located east of Seoul in the Gangwon Province. It is the smallest city to host the Olympics since 1994. It is the first city in Seoul to have the Olympic Games played there. Gangwon province is known for the beautiful majestic mountains, vegetables and hanwoo beef which is very tender and delicious.

2. The Mascot for 2018 is a white tiger named Soohorang. The white color represents the snow and ice of the winter sports. Many view it as a guardian who helps protect the people and the country.

3. PyeongChang is expecting the completion of a new high speed rail system that will transport passengers from Seoul in one third the time that it now takes. That means more time to enjoy the games.

Seoul is approximately 2.5 hours from PyeongChang when traveling by car. The new speed rail will make the trip in about 69 minutes.

4. This is the third time that PyeongChang made a bid to host the Olympic Games in the city. The two previous times they lost out to Sochi, Russia and Vancouver, Canada. Their perseverance and consistency did not waiver. The third time was their lucky charm.

5. As with every Winter Olympics, there are featured some unique events. One is the Skeleton.

This is a sled sliding game where athletes slide down a slope while lying on a sled, headfirst on their bellies. It was given this name because the sled was said to look like a skeleton when it was first designed in the late 1800s.

Another event is called the Nordic Combined which is a two sport combination. It combines cross country skiing and ski jumping. The score is easier to determine and less time consuming as the two sports separately.

6. The upcoming Olympic games will feature more participants from Mexico. They have been represented by as little as one participant in recent years, but for the 2018 games three athletes have qualified.

7. For the first time in twenty years the National Hockey League will not be present nor will they have any participants in the Winter Olympic Games 2018. The NHL wants to continue their regular season without interruption.

8. Unlike the United States, South Korea does not have an open container law. People are free to walk around and have drinks. They are also allowed to carry containers of alcohol in public.

Have you ever thought of a perfect place where you will spend your honeymoon? Tahiti offers you a magnificent place where you can celebrate your new life with your partner. Tahiti has amazing romantic islands each of them being a paradise. Experience the spectacular view of sunset under isles that are crowned with peaks soaring high out of the ocean waters in an explosion of amazing green velvet. Let us have a look at the top five reasons why Tahiti should be your most preferred honeymoon destination.

Enjoy a wide array of outdoor adventures and activities

After marriage, you are more excited. You want to try out things that you have never tried before. This is what Tahiti offers the newly-weds. Get an opportunity to try out new and exciting things that you have never imagined. What about spear-fishing competition with your partner? Or swimming with sting rays?

The fish in the Lagoon

No extra gear needed. Simply stand in the hip-high lagoon and have a spectacular view of the brightly colored fish, stung with sun rays swim in the waters around your arms and between your legs. The feeling is incredible. Imagine yourself in a giant aquarium enjoying the magical view.

More seclusion

What makes Tahiti and her amazing Islands unique? There are lots of private resorts, small and peaceful villages which are miles away from the busy town centers. You get the opportunity to enjoy the mutual seclusion you are yearning for with your partner by your side. The cool 118 pristine beaches make it more relaxed.

More wine means more dining

Grab the opportunity of feasting on pure Tahitian and French dishes and the delicious seafood as you enjoy cool music. You can decide to go wild by grabbing the waist of your partner making him/her dance to the fantastic tunes. Enjoy the fabulous sunset cocktails with pure beach sand sandwiched between your toes. You can pull a surprise on your partner by secretly having your resort arrange a private gourmet picnic on your own Motu.

Romantic scenery

The fact that Tahiti is one of the most beautiful places in the entire universe is unbeatable. It is not only beautiful but attractive too. You can only appreciate it if you go there and have a feeling of the lovely scenery. The weather, smell, and view add a unique flavor to your romance.